WHAT’S one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions we’ve all heard? “I’m going to start going to the gym.”
Many of us make that ambitious promise to ourselves as we usher in the new year, but not many make it past their January exercise routine. Whether it’s bad eating habits, lack of knowledge, or loss of motivation, the Pepperpot Magazine sat down with fitness professional Tyson English to ensure you keep your promise and become a committed gym-goer.

Tyson English: Setting realistic goals and staying motivated
Tyson English is one of Guyana’s impressive athletes, a gym owner, physical education teacher, and all-around fitness guru. As one of the few men who have completed the gruelling task of riding from Suriname, across Guyana, and into Brazil, he says his achievements took years of dedication and hard work.

One of his most important pieces of advice for those hoping to get into shape is to set realistic expectations. “For the persons who are going to be starting off, you know, a fitness journey or getting into the more active lifestyle, or for those persons who would have started and they’ve been off for probably a few years or a few months or so. The important thing, one of the most important things, would be to have realistic goals and realistic expectations,” he told the Pepperpot Magazine.

After more than two decades in the fitness industry, Tyson emphasises that pacing is key. Taking on too much too quickly can lead to burnout or injuries. He advises being kind to your body and allowing yourself to adapt to a new and rigorous routine. “If you’re new, you don’t want to go into any gym whatsoever, whether you’re doing strength training, cardio, weight loss, toning. You just don’t want to go into the gym on the first day or the first week. You run and you do heavy weight training or you’re doing a lot of strength training or you’re doing too much of high-intensity work. Normally, I would recommend that for the first five to seven days, you just fix the cardio,” he said.

Breaking misconceptions: Start simple
Another common misconception for prospective gym-goers is that equipment is essential. Tyson explains that simple activities like walking or jogging can make a significant difference without ever stepping foot in a gym. “You can do cardio at home, you can do cardio in the park, in the garden, at a community centre. That’s about 15 to 20, 25 minutes of walking, jogging, or a combination of both. You can use a skipping rope if you have that. Some persons may have access to the lifters and bikes and so on. So you start off at that point. And if you go into the actual gym, you do the same thing,” he stated.

Communication is key
Although hiring a trainer isn’t necessary, if you choose to go the professional route, communication is critical. Tyson notes that shyness is understandable for newcomers, but it’s important to speak with your trainer about your goals. “Let the instructors know that your job or your ultimate goal would be either to lose weight or to just have a general, a better fitness level. What you want to do for the first seven days or for the first week is just cardio. Get your body in tune, get your body accustomed both physically and mentally,” Tyson shared.
As the owner of Ogle Fitness & Conditioning Gym, Tyson has guided many individuals through their fitness journeys.

He advises being clear about your goals to avoid assumptions from trainers. “Most times, what a trainer does is that they’re going to look at you. And if you’re looking as though you’re skinny, they’re going to assume that you want to put on some weight or you want to increase muscle mass. If you look as though you’re overweight, they’re going to assume that you want to lose weight,” he explained.
By communicating clearly, you can ensure that your regimen aligns with your goals. “Unless you let them know that, okay, I don’t want to lose weight, I don’t want to gain weight, I just want to have an acceptable, a reasonable fitness level. And I just want to get involved in this programme to ensure that my overall lifestyle is something that is more active and healthier; they’re going to work on assumption,” he said.

Overcoming challenges and staying consistent
The hardest part of exercising is staying consistent. Many people start with enthusiasm but struggle to keep going. Tyson explains that the initial phase is often the most challenging, with the body experiencing shock, fatigue, pain, and cramps. However, he encourages newcomers to use this discomfort as motivation. “Most times, I find that when you’re new to the fitness programme or when you’re new to being involved in an active lifestyle, once that pain comes or once that soreness presents itself, that should be motivation for them,” Tyson said.

He also urges people not to take breaks during the adjustment period, as the pain is temporary. “After a while, people will stop or they will say, okay, I’m going to take a week off or take a couple of days for the pain to go away. And that’s sad. But that doesn’t happen because the pain is not something that is chronic. It’s actually acute. It was caused because your body is experiencing a new environment, and your body is going to be adapting to that environment,” he explained.

The importance of rest and recovery
As you embark on your fitness journey, Tyson advises prioritising health above all else. While ambition is important, rest and nutrition are equally crucial. “Ensure, of course, that they don’t do too many things. Like I said, 15, 20, 25 minutes at most for your session would be good enough for starters, and then eventually they can increase in terms of the duration,” Tyson said. He added, “You also, as an individual, will have to ensure that along with the exercise programme, you have your dieting, which is very, very important. You have your dieting in tune, and you have to get rest or recovery.”

Sticking to a fitness journey isn’t easy, but with realistic goals, proper pacing, and consistent effort, it’s a resolution worth keeping. Whether you’re walking in your neighbourhood or hitting the gym, remember to take it one step at a time.
This year, make 2025 the year you finally achieve your fitness goals—and stick with them.